Phil Scolari says Spanish press are trying to sabotage Neymar ahead of the World Cup

Brazil manager Luiz Felipe Scolari believes there is a conspiracy afoot! The 2002 World Cup winner is certain that the Spanish press are deliberately trying to unsettle Brazil and Barcelona star Neymar ahead of this summer's tournament in his home country because everything that happens is obviously a conspiracy.

"Neymar's case is really simple, only those who close their eyes can't see it clearly for what it is," said Scolari, who guided Brazil to the 2002 World Cup title.

"Neymar is often criticised by the Spanish press because it has a vested interest that he is not at his best at the World Cup."

Neymar led Brazil to a convincing 3-0 win over 2010 World Cup winners Spain in last summer's Confederations Cup final before joining Barcelona this season. In Scolari's mind, this must have made the Spanish press nervous about their country's chances of retaining their title, so they devised an elaborate plot that actually ended up hurting Barcelona more than it did Neymar.

Elsewhere in fun Scolari quotes, Big Phil also says that his players will only be allowed to engage in non-acrobatic sex during the World Cup. From the Irish Independent:

"Normal sexual intercourses is made in a balanced way, but there are certain forms, certain ways and others who do acrobatics. And that, no," said the former Chelsea boss who will lead Brazil on home soil.

At the 2002 World Cup, Scolari was stricter when it came to nocturnal activities, banning his players from engaging in sexual pursuits during the entirety of the tournament which the Selecao ended up winning.

Perhaps the Spanish press will try to lure Neymar into bedroom acrobatics, too.